Where: The Solent: Sunsail, Port Solent
How Much: £150 (first estimate)
- Traditional Autumn Big Boat Event
- Meet and Compete against the Students- show them how it should be done!
- Keen Sailboat Racer? - Last chance of a good racing weekend in 2008
- Used to Cruising? Come and try racing - get the adrenaline pumping
- New to Sailing? Come and give it a try! Beginners most welcome.
To sign up, email me or reply to this post, and I'll send you my bank details to pay the £150, or use a credit or debit card at the sign up page 
This is the third race of Sunsail's Winter Series sailing - a fleet of 20 or more identical 37 ft Sailing boats crewed by teams of enthusiasts racing four races in the Solent. It's fun, exciting racing, and ideal for occasional sailors like us, as you don't need to either spend a fortune on your boat to do well, nor be racing as a team week- in week - out.
The Alumni have traditionally challenged the current students in one of the races in this series, and met up for a drink or ten at the American Bar on a Saturday night - come and join the tradition!
For the keen racers among you, this is a chance to find out how good the current student crews are, and to re- assert the Alumni's dominance. To see if the 2008 Alumni can continue their amazing record of qualifying for the Sunsail Finals.
For those new to racing, and those new to sailing, this is a great introductory event, as there are roles on any boat which can be carried out by anyone with some enthusiasm! Hopefully you’ll get hooked, as we have.
BASICS ABOUT THE TRIP
The boats
We're sailing Jeanneau Sunfast 37s. These are 37 ft boats with three cabins (sleeping 2 each), one head (bathroom) and with another three berths in the main saloon. On deck , they're raced with a crew of between six and eight, and have a furling Genoa, and spinnaker.
The Teams
We'll be putting in at least two, and probably three teams: two good racing crews led by past winners, Klaus and Bruce, and one or more "fun" crews. We'll allocate people to boats based on experience and when they sign up.
Training on Friday 7th
for a small additional cost, we'll be able to take the boats out for training on the Friday. Klaus's crew will be training and will have one or two extra places if you want to learn. Other crews may be training too - more details later.
How to get down there
We will meet in Port Solent Marina
By train: Train is probably the safest way, considering occasional beers both before and during the trip. Exact joining instructions are included on the Sunsail webpage (see link at the end of the mail).
Trains leave from London Waterloo, app. every 30 mins
The trip to Portsmouth takes about 1.45 mins
Get off at either Havant, or Portsmouth & Southsea
You will need to take a bus or a cab from there to Port Solent
On arriving at Port Solent Marina, follow the main road going straight across the first roundabout. At the next roundabout, bear right (the only way). At the third roundabout, take the second exit. Then drive over two 'sleeping policemen' and take the next right. The Port House building is directly ahead of you. Again, further detail is on the joining instruction.
By car: Does anyone own a car? Let me know if you do and plan to take it down there!
From the west, (Recommended: via M3) motorway access is via the M27 at junction 12. From the east, (A3) take the Hilsea exit off the A27 and follow the signs to Port Solent. From Portsmouth, take the M275 and follow the signs.
Please don't arrive any late - we'll have to start without you. Any "no-shows" (incl. serious latecomers) will be liable to pay the full amount!
Stuff you need to bring
SLEEPING BAGS ***Often Forgotten - makes you miserable if you do***
Wash Kit, Towel (the other two most often forgotten irtems)
Apart from that, our friends at Sunsail suggest the following:
"Sweaters/ fleece(s), Sailing Gloves, Hat, Scarf, Thick socks, Tracksuit, Sailing boots (recommended! Deck shoes or white-soled trainers will do at a push, but expect cold, wet, miserable feet) Neck towel or small towel to stop drips. It is much warmer to wear multiple thin layers than one thick layer. We do not recommend jeans as they become very cold when wet and take a long time to dry. Please note that all personal items are brought at your own risk.
You may also want to bring your own waterproofs or hire some from us. Chest-high trousers and a jacket are available for hire from our reception and can be booked in advance or on arrival. Due to reasons of hygiene, we do not hire out sailing boots."
Money Stuff
The final cost of the weekend will depend on a number of variables, not least how many of us there are to split the costs of the boats between. I'm taking £150 now, and will calculate the actual amount after the event and settle up then. It should come to somewhere around this figure.
The fee includes a £50 non- refundable deposit, to book your place. If you drop out after Wed 5th, we’ll keep the full amount, as it’s virtually impossible to get someone else at that late notice,
The Fee Includes the boat, the team kit, the racing fees, moorings, fuel, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night's dinner (2 courses only, no drinks)
The Fee Does not include transport to and from port Solent, drinks and dinner on Friday night, and drinks and extras at dinner on Saturday night, The training day, if your boat chooses to have one.
If you already have the Alumni Club Jacket, then the up front fee is £113 instead.
Damages: If the boats should get damaged, we’re liable for the first £2,000 of damages. This will be shared among the crew of the boat involved. So Don't Damage Anything!!
That should be all. Let me know if there are any questions!
Looking forward to sailing with you
Cheers,
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